In a bold declaration, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has asserted that the party will secure victory in the upcoming August 15, 2026 gubernatorial election, despite what he describes as a sustained campaign of calumny from opposition forces. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a former representative of Obokun State Constituency in the House of Assembly, issued a statement dismissing the allegations against the APC and its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, as mere fear-driven tactics by rivals anticipating defeat.
APC's Unwavering Resolve Amidst Opposition Tactics
Oyintiloye emphasized that no amount of lies, false accusations, or fabricated stories would undermine the determination of Osun State's electorate to vote for the APC and its candidate. He attributed the recent wave of criticisms to the opposition's apprehension over the party's strong position in the polls. "The people of Osun are resolute in their support for progressive governance, and these desperate attempts to mislead them will not succeed," he stated, urging citizens to remain steadfast and not be swayed by what he termed as deceptive narratives aimed at derailing the state's political trajectory.
Growing Concerns Over Election Preparedness and Internal Strife
However, the political landscape in Osun State is not without its challenges. Reports have surfaced indicating a lack of coordination and visible campaign activity from the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, raising questions about his administration's readiness for the election. Observers have pointed to what they describe as slow campaign efforts and limited public engagement ahead of the crucial polls.
Adding to the uncertainty, Yusuf Adegboye, Convener of the Osun Accord Liberation Movement, voiced significant concerns over the Accord Party's direction. "The Accord Party is in a critical moment, and there is no clear direction. People are confused. The silence is dangerous," he remarked over the weekend. Adegboye further warned that the absence of a defined campaign structure, such as the failure to appoint a campaign director-general, could indicate deeper internal fractures within the party.
Defections and Resignations Signal Political Instability
The situation has been exacerbated by a series of resignations and defections that are causing unease within political circles. Notably, Osunrotimi Ifeoluwa, a board member of the Osun State Council for Arts and Culture, resigned from his position, citing a lack of empowerment and opportunities for his constituency. In his resignation letter dated April 10, 2026, he expressed disappointment, stating, "I believed I was assigned this position to serve the people of Osun State and my constituency, but there is nothing to write home about. No empowerment, not a single opportunity coming out from the ministry to my constituency people."
Sources familiar with the political dynamics reveal that this trend is not isolated, with increasing reports of party members and appointees either leaving or aligning with alternative political platforms. This exodus is contributing to a sense of instability and concern among the ruling camp as the election approaches.
Campaign Organisation Issues Warning Against Post-Election Chaos
In response to these developments, the Ademola Adeleke Campaign Organisation has issued a stern warning to former Osun State governor Gboyega Oyetola and APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji. The organization called on them to respect the will of the Osun people and avoid any plots that could incite post-election chaos. This statement was made in reaction to what they described as "leaked threats" by top APC leaders to disrupt peace if Adeleke is re-elected, highlighting the heightened tensions surrounding the electoral process.
As Osun State gears up for the 2026 gubernatorial election, the political atmosphere remains charged with confidence from the APC, countered by concerns over preparedness, internal defections, and potential unrest. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the APC's optimism translates into electoral success or if the underlying issues will impact the outcome.
